78 GL and 79 DL Brats

[Zags]

Hey guys,

 

Been slowly working on fixing up a 78 GL Brat for a few months now. I've also got (a pretty far gone) 79 DL Brat that I'm using as a parts vehicle. I'm a little stuck on the restoration of the 78 right now, need a gasket or seal for a new windshield. I've got another thread for that though, so I thought I'd just show you guys what I've got so far.

 

The 78 Brat has been pretty good. It was not running when I first bought it. It sat for 13 years, reason unknown. While sitting, rats chewed up the wiring, so that was the first thing to be fixed. Also replaced the points ignition with an electronic distributor. Runs great now. I powder coated the wheels, and drove it in that condition for a couple of months. The interior was pretty bad too, with the exception of the seats. I guess the rats didn't like the seats for some reason and spared them. They look just about new. So far, I've done mechanical and electrical repairs, but now I'm moving on to rust repair. The cabin floor and cowl were swiss cheese rust. I've fixed the cowl, but the windshield still leaks, so I'm holding off on the new floor until the cabin is water right again. The long term plan is to make this one really nice. Dynamat everything, new carpet, AC, cruise control, the works. That's a long way off though. Pictures don't show it, but both cars had the rear seats, but only the 78 had the seatbelts and roll bar. I'll be using the seats from the 79 though. The guy who had the 79, took the seats out and kept them indoors out of the sun.

 

Here's how it looked a couple months after I got it. And here's the current condition of the interior, mid repairs.

 

 

The 79 is lot LOT rougher. It was actually the first Brat I bought, with the intention of restoring. However it turned out to be WAY to much of a project. Rust everywhere, engine needs a rebuild, gas tank is ruined, etc. The new plan for this one, is to take all the good stuff out of it, then do some sort of drivetrain swap. Turn it into a ratrod (bratrod?). German powerplant? BRATwurst? Maybe a more modern truck frame? But that's after I finish the 78. Lot's of time to think on it.

 

Anyway, I'm sure I'll have some questions to ask here from time to time. And I'm happy to answer any you have for me.

Edited July 4, 2017 by Zags

[ironworkerboomer]

I love the Brat. Welcome to the party.

[Tmckinl1]

Those powder coated wheels sure pop!

 

Here's a link I found in this forum for the windshield gasket

 

https://www.prp.com/product/detail/106445

[biffanyus]

Hey Zags,, I'm in need of a nice rear bumper for my 78 brat. Can you spare one off the 79?? I will need it shipped with the mounting brackets too. Please let me know. Email me at tbag1331@yahoo.com. Greyhound shipping is usually reasonable for large items.

[scole665]

Looking good, my friend.

[Zags]

Hey Zags,, I'm in need of a nice rear bumper for my 78 brat. Can you spare one off the 79?? I will need it shipped with the mounting brackets too. Please let me know. Email me at tbag1331@yahoo.com. Greyhound shipping is usually reasonable for large items.

 

Hey there, the '79 is being stored at a buddy's place right now. Next time I'm out his way I'll check out the rear bumper, I really don't remember what condition it's in. If it's any good I'll send you some pics.